Harbor Playhouse brings high energy 'Godspell' musical to life on stage

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
"Godspell," a musical that brings the gospel of St. Matthew to life through song and dance, will continue with weekend performances through Feb. 10 at the Harbor Playhouse.

CORPUS CHRISTI - If you're looking for some high-quality entertainment this weekend, look no further than the Harbor Playhouse. The theater proudly presents "Godspell," a high energy musical that brings the gospel of St. Matthew to life.

Brandy Raper, the production's director, said "Godspell" sends a message of kindness, tolerance and love.

"It was originally written as a student thesis project at Carnegie Mellon University so it has a great youthful energy to it," Raper said. "It was received so well that it was moved to Broadway."

Here's a quick synopsis: A group of unsuspecting characters are forever changed when Jesus comes and beckons them to follow him. As they learn and grow through play, song and dance, they form a family-like community.

"The remarkable thing about 'Godspell' is that is written so differently from any other show," Raper said. "The show bounces from one parable to the next, so there isn't a bold plot line."

Raper said this allows each audience member to take away something totally different from the person right next to them.

The musical began earlier this month. Performances continue at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 9 and at 2 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 10.

The show incorporates a variety of music styles ranging from rock, folk, pop, to a vaudeville style number. Audience members may even recognize a few old favorite hymns mixed in, Raper said.

Putting on a Broadway-style show isn't easy. A lot of work went into the concept and design of the show's set, Raper said.

"I knew from the beginning I wanted a set that would allow the actors to play and would lend itself to a spontaneous feel in the story telling. We eventually decided to set the show in modern times on the grounds of an old carnival that's a little worse for wear," Raper said.

Raper said the actors have been hard at work rehearsing four to five days a week since auditions for the production were held in November. She said working with the actors and getting them to find their characters was a special experience for her as a director.

"We discussed who their character was before their encounter with Jesus and how their lives had changed after this experience. It was amazing to see how many of the actors connected so personally with each of their characters."

Raper recalled the audience's reaction to the production during the show's opening night on Jan. 4.

"They had a sort of reverence about them. Many of the actors said they'd never had someone thank them so sincerely after a show. I think people were really moved and that's a huge accomplishment for us," Raper said.

"The great thing about this show is that it doesn't matter where your spiritual compass points or if you have a spiritual compass at all," Raper said. "There is a great message and great fun to be had by all!"